Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Edo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has delivered a significant blow to the illegal mining syndicates that have been plundering the state's natural resources, arresting 19 suspected illegal gold miners in a coordinated raid on a forest in the northern part of the state. The operation, which took place on Friday, August 28, 2026, at about 3:35 p.m., targeted the Okpella/Ososo/Egbetua forest axis, spanning Etsako East and Akoko-Edo Local Government Areas. The State Commandant, Saidi Akintayo, disclosed the breakthrough on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, during a press conference in Benin City, where he declared that the corps would not allow criminal elements to plunder Edo's wealth.
The raid was the culmination of credible intelligence and sustained surveillance on the activities of suspected illegal miners operating within the forest. Despite the difficult terrain, poor road network, hills, and thick bushes, officers of the command's Mining Marshal Unit successfully located the illegal mining site and arrested 19 suspects. Two others, however, escaped into the forest. "Following credible intelligence and sustained surveillance on the activities of suspected illegal miners operating within the Okpella/Ososo/Egbetua forest axis of Etsako East and Akoko-Edo Local Government Areas, officers of the Command's Mining Marshal Unit stormed the forest on Friday, 28th August 2026," Akintayo stated.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were engaged in illegal gold mining and were working for two individuals identified as a man popularly known as "Area" and Mr Abu Mawain. Fifteen of the suspects allegedly worked for "Area," while the remaining four were reportedly working for Mawain under the name Gravity Pillars Concept Ltd. The arrest of 19 foot soldiers is a victory, but the real battle is far from over. The two alleged leaders, "Area" and Mr Abu Mawain, are currently at large. Akintayo assured that efforts were ongoing to locate and bring them to justice. "The two alleged leaders, 'Area' and Mr Abu Mawain, were currently at large, assuring that efforts were ongoing to locate and bring them to justice," he said.
Several items were recovered from the site, including one pumping machine, five head pans, thirteen carpets or rugs, six shovels, fifteen mobile phones, one power bank, and four identity cards bearing the name Gravity Pillars Concept Ltd. These items point to a well-organised operation that had been running for some time, exploiting the state's natural resources for private gain while the environment paid the price. The arrested suspects have made statements admitting their involvement and will be charged to court after the completion of the investigation.
Akintayo made it clear that the NSCDC would not rest on its laurels. "Let me state categorically that the NSCDC will not fold its arms and allow criminal elements to plunder the natural resources of Edo State, which are meant to contribute to the development of the state and the nation," he declared. He has directed the Mining Marshal Unit to intensify operations across the state and flush out illegal miners from mining sites. "We will leave no stone unturned in identifying not only those working at illegal mining sites but also the financiers, sponsors, and individuals benefiting from these activities," he added.
The commandant commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for his timely logistics and all-round support, which have created an enabling environment for the officers and men of the corps to discharge their duties without prejudice or favour. He also commended the officers involved in the operation for their courage and commitment, and urged members of the public to continue providing credible information that would assist in tackling illegal mining.
Illegal mining has been a persistent challenge in Edo State, with criminal elements exploiting the state's rich mineral deposits, particularly gold, while causing significant environmental degradation. The NSCDC's renewed offensive is a welcome development, but the fact that the two alleged leaders remain at large shows that the fight is far from over. The command has assured residents that it would sustain its crackdown on illegal miners and other environmental offenders, warning that anyone found violating the law would face the full weight of the law. As Akintayo put it, "The NSCDC Edo State Command remains resolute. Illegal mining has no place in Edo State, and anyone found violating the law will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly."
The arrest of the 19 suspects is a significant step in the right direction, but the real test will be whether the NSCDC can track down the financiers and sponsors who are the true beneficiaries of this illicit trade. For the people of Edo State, the message is clear: the days of impunity for illegal miners are numbered, and the long arm of the law is closing in on those who have been enriching themselves at the expense of the state and its environment. As the NSCDC continues its operations, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and provide the necessary intelligence to help rid the state of this menace.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments